What Are Your Rights If A Commercial Vehicle Hits Your Car?

If you suffered serious injuries in a car accident with a commercial vehicle, you need a lawyer to protect your rights.

It pays to hire a lawyer to explain your specific rights, but in general, if another driver hits your car, they or their employers are liable to pay you compensation. 

Each vehicle driver has a duty of care to other motorists, and commercial truck drivers are certainly no different. Once someone breaches this duty of care, devastating accidents and injuries can result. You can hold negligent parties fully liable for the losses of injured victims. 

Seeking compensation for a truck collision is no easy feat. Contact an Augusta truck accident attorney near you to oversee the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for any injuries or damages.

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation Today!

What Are Your Rights if a Commercial Vehicle Hits Your Car?

Commercial vehicle or truck accidents have risen in the United States in recent years. Recent statistics show a significant increase in truck accidents nationwide, bringing a greater threat to other motorists on the road. Due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, these accidents can be particularly devastating, often resulting in severe injuries and high recovery costs.

When a commercial vehicle collides with your car, you have certain rights under the law. These rights ensure you receive fair compensation for any injuries or damages caused by the commercial vehicle. You may seek compensation from liable parties, whether they are liable due to negligence or other legal principles.

Leave the complicated commercial vehicle accident claim process to the professionals. Always hire a truck accident lawyer who understands such cases. An experienced attorney will have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the process, always fighting for your rights and best interests.

When to Consult a Truck Accident Attorney

Certain indicators may suggest you need to consult a truck accident attorney. If you find yourself in any of the following situations, seek legal guidance:

Do You Have Injuries?

If you have sustained any injuries in the commercial vehicle accident, immediately contact an attorney. They can explain your rights and pursue a claim for compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Do You Blame the Driver or Hiring Company?

If you believe that the driver or the company that hired them caused the accident, consult a lawyer. They can investigate the incident, gather evidence, and build a strong case to prove liability.

Did You Incur Any Financial Losses? 

If the commercial vehicle accident caused financial losses, such as vehicle repairs or rental expenses, an attorney can recover these costs. Moreover, you can face severe future loss of income.

Has an Insurance Company Contacted You? 

If an insurance company representing the commercial vehicle driver or their company reaches out to you, consult an attorney before providing any statements or accepting any settlement offers. An attorney can keep your rights in good stead — you can compromise them if you don’t know what to expect.

Has an Adjuster Requested Medical Records or a Recorded Statement? 

If an adjuster from an insurance company requests your medical records or asks for a recorded statement, it is important to question an attorney before proceeding. 

They can advise you on how to handle these requests to protect your rights and ensure you are not taken advantage of.

Did an Insurer Make a Quick Settlement Offer? 

If an insurance company offers you a quick settlement for your injuries or damages, consult an attorney before accepting the offer. Often, these initial settlement offers will not recover what you deserve, but an attorney can negotiate on your behalf to secure a better settlement.

Did The Vehicle-Owning Company Offer To Settle The Matter Privately Without Insurance? 

If the company that owns the commercial vehicle offers to settle the matter privately without involving insurance, call an attorney for a free consultation. They can evaluate the situation and advise you on whether accepting such an offer is in your best interest.

Common Injuries Sustained in Commercial Vehicle Accidents

When a commercial vehicle collides with a smaller passenger vehicle, the consequences can be severe. The size and weight of commercial vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries for those involved in the accident.

Some common injuries sustained in commercial vehicle accidents include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): The impact of a commercial vehicle collision can cause head injuries, ranging from concussions to severe TBIs. This head trauma can have long-lasting effects on a victim’s cognitive function, motor skills, and overall quality of life.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The force of a commercial vehicle accident can cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, and the long-term impact can be life-altering.
• Broken Bones: The sheer force involved in a collision with a commercial vehicle can cause multiple bone fractures. These injuries can be particularly severe, requiring surgeries, immobilization, and lengthy recovery periods.
• Internal Injuries: The impact of a commercial vehicle accident can cause internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding. These injuries may not immediately manifest and can have serious long-term consequences if left untreated.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries are common in commercial vehicle accidents. These injuries can cause significant pain and discomfort, requiring ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Emotional Trauma: Being in a commercial vehicle collision can have a profound impact on a victim’s mental and emotional well-being. The emotional trauma associated with the accident and the resulting injuries can affect a person’s daily life and require professional therapy or counseling.

Put simply, commercial vehicle accidents can be disastrous, and the resulting injuries often require lengthy, expensive rehabilitation paired with lost future earnings. Seeking compensation for these injuries will ensure the victim receives the necessary medical treatment and support for their recovery.

Who Can You Sue After a Commercial Vehicle Accident?

You may wonder who you can sue to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.

In a commercial vehicle accident, you can hold several parties liable, including:

• The Commercial Vehicle Driver: If the driver of the commercial vehicle acted negligently and caused the accident, you can hold them personally liable for the damages.
• The Vehicle Owner: You can hold the commercial vehicle owner responsible if they negligently maintained the vehicle or hired an unqualified driver.
• The Company That Hired the Driver: If the company that hired the driver failed to properly screen their employees or ensure they were qualified and properly trained, you can hold them liable for the accident.
• The Manufacturer or Maintenance Company: If the accident was caused by a defect in the commercial vehicle or improper maintenance, you can file a claim against the manufacturer or maintenance company.
• Other Negligent Parties: Depending on the specific circumstances of the accident, you can hold other parties, such as contractors or subcontractors, liable if their negligence contributed to the collision.

Ask a truck accident lawyer to determine who you can hold liable in your specific case. They will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and work with experts to build a strong case against the responsible parties. By holding these parties accountable, you can seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.

Have You Been Involved in a Commercial Truck Accident?

Taking the following steps after a truck accident and injuries is necessary to protect yourself and your rights. While your lawyer can advise on what to do, here are some things to remember before you have legal representation.

Seek Medical Attention

Make your health and well-being the top priority. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not feel any immediate symptoms. Some injuries may not manifest right away, and a medical authority can properly assess your condition.

Avoid Statements to Insurance Companies

Never provide recorded statements to insurance companies before meeting with an attorney. Seemingly harmless things you might say can potentially harm your case and result in reduced compensation.

Do Not Accept Early Settlement Offers Without Legal Advice

Insurance companies know your bills are piling up and you likely have concerns about your future financial support. They often make quick offers to prey on your worries, though these offers are usually much less than you need. Speak with a truck accident attorney before you ever accept anything; accepting an inadequate offer is a mistake that is difficult or often impossible to reverse.

By following all these steps before you have legal representation, you can take the necessary precautions to protect your rights, making compensation for your injuries and damages achievable.

A Truck Accident Attorney Will Bring Peace of Mind

The physical and emotional toll of a truck accident, combined with the hurdles of the legal process, make a truck accident attorney essential.

You Can Focus on Recovery

Hiring a truck accident attorney ensures you have a knowledgeable and experienced professional by your side throughout the entire legal process. They will handle the paperwork and deal with insurance companies and any necessary court proceedings on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Manage the Maze of Accident Claims 

You must travel through a complicated legal maze, but a truck accident attorney understands this reality.

They will provide support and guidance, offering peace of mind during a challenging time and insulating the victim from negotiations. They will fight for your rights and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries and damages.

Further, commercial vehicle insurance companies are notorious for not paying out fair settlements, and the long-term effects of the injuries may not appear right away. Hiring an attorney ensures that insurance company tactics like lowballing, delaying, or denying claims do not happen.

Call a Truck Accident Lawyer Today

After a commercial vehicle accident, don’t wait to seek legal representation. Contact a reputable truck accident attorney near you to protect yourself and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Truck accident attorneys usually work on a contingency basis, meaning they only receive payment if they win your case. This agreement eliminates any financial concerns and allows you to focus on your recovery without worrying about upfront legal fees.

Don’t let the aftermath of a commercial vehicle accident claim overwhelm you. Consult an Augusta personal injury lawyer today and let them guide you through the process, pushing for your rights to the compensation you deserve.

Remember, time is of the essence, so reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure the best possible outcome for your case. Your future may depend on it.

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation Today!